A beautifully decorated Christmas tree is often the focal point of your home’s holiday décor. As gorgeous as your tree and the decorations that adorn it are, it’s critical that they don’t create a Christmas tree fire. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an average of 200 home fires were caused by Christmas trees every year between 2011 and 2015, resulting in an average of 14.8 million dollars in direct property damage annually.
To keep yourself, your home and your loved ones safe this holiday season, use these tips from the fire restoration experts at ServiceMaster Remediation Services.
How To Prevent Christmas Tree Fires
If you prefer decorating your home with an artificial Christmas tree, only purchase one that has been certified and labeled by an independent testing laboratory. If you like the look, smell, and appearance of a live tree, there are a few preventative steps you should take. Use these tips to reduce your risk of a Christmas tree fire hazard:
- When choosing a tree, pick one with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.
- Cut about two inches from the base of the trunk before putting the tree in its stand.
- Always keep the tree at least three feet away from any heat source, including candles, heat vents, lights, radiators and fireplaces.
- Make sure the tree is not blocking any exits.
- Add water to the tree stand daily to help prevent your Christmas tree from getting too dry.
How To Safely Use Lights On Your Christmas Tree
Tree lights add ambiance and a bit of magic to your home. However, Christmas tree lights can start a fire if not inspected or used properly. In fact, the NFPA states that electrical distribution or lighting equipment, including decorative lights, wiring, cords and plugs, were involved in 40 percent of home Christmas tree fires between 2011 and 2015. To help ensure that your Christmas tree lights do not cause any fires, follow these tips:
- Only use lights that have been tested for indoor use by an independent recognized testing laboratory.
- Do not use lights intended for outdoor use on your Christmas tree.
- Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords, or with loose bulb connections.
- Read the manufacturer’s instructions to learn how many light strands can be safely connected.
- Check all strands for cracks, frays, and damage before use.
- Do not overload outlets or power strips with Christmas lights and decorations.
- Only use flame-retardant and flame-resistant lights and decorations on your tree.
- Turn off your Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
With these tips, you can help prevent your gorgeous, festive holiday decorations from causing significant harm and destruction.
Call Most Trusted Pompano Beach, FL's Fire Damage Restoration Company
If, despite your best effort, an accident does occur, you don’t need to panic. The professionals at ServiceMaster Remediation Services are available 24/7 every day of the year to help guide you through crisis to resolution. With you as our priority, we work fast to get your home back to normal as quickly as possible, so you can get back to enjoying the holiday season with your loved ones.
ServiceMaster Remediation Services‘ team will assist you every step of the way. From board-up services, content cleaning, soot, smoke and odor elimination, and water damage we are experienced in every facet of property restoration. Our IICRC Certified technicians are experienced, sensitive and reliable on working with you to restore peace of mind at this very difficult time. The team will address your needs keep you informed as well as work with your insurance company directly.
Learn more about our fire and smoke damage removal services today or call us today at (954) 969-5906.
